chain of command

American  

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

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Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Demonstrations forced Ne Win's resignation, but Myanmar's military chain of command continued to Min Aung Hlaing, also rumoured to be motivated by superstition.

From Barron's

The McChrystal Group after-action report on the Eaton and Palisades fires found the county operated with “unclear” and “outdated” policies when deciding when to send evacuation alerts, and its emergency staff lacked training and a clear chain of command.

From Los Angeles Times

Policies and protocols on alerts, it said, were “unclear” and “contradictory” and did not explicitly outline the chain of command for decisions to issue evacuation warning or orders.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the big takeaways of the Palisades and Eaton fires is county staff lacked basic training and a clear chain of command.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she believed the complaints had been passed up the Labour chain of command to regional party bosses, but she was never told if any action was taken.

From BBC

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure